The Boston Celtics were noticeably struggling against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals recently as their frontcourt just couldn’t contend with the likes of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum in the paint.

Despite being outmatched in the paint, the Celtics were still able to take the defending NBA champion Lakers to the full seven games, but ultimately lost in game seven and went home empty handed.

Fortunately, the Celtics have made it their mission during the NBA offseason to seriously upgrade their frontcourt and make up for their injured center in Kendrick Perkins. Their move to increase size in the paint was signing free agent Jermaine O’Neal and even though they could have stopped right there, they didn’t as they have now also signed Shaquille O’Neal as well.

Even though the four-time NBA champion said that he wanted a certain amount of money this offseason from a new team, Shaq decided that he was better off shooting for another NBA title with the Boston Celtics and settling for the league minimum.

Obviously, with Kendrick Perkins and Jermaine O’Neal, Shaq will be strictly a bench for the first time in his Hall of Fame caliber quarterback, but the main concern for the Celtics moving forward will be whether they can weather a potential storm from Shaq if he isn’t happy with his new role as a bench player.

In the meantime, the Celtics have drastically improved their chances of competing for an NBA title next season with the addition of the 15-time All-Star coming off the bench and helping the team guard some of the best bigs in this league.

I still believe the Celtics will struggle against teams like the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, but they could end up being the best team in the league next season if they can stay healthy throughout the year and into the playoffs.

Related News

• Boston Celtics sign Jermaine O’Neal to two-year deal
• Will Shaq sign with the Hawks or the Celtics?
• Lakers beat Celtics in game seven to win second straight NBA title
• Jermaine O’Neal Gets 2-Year Deal with Celtics; Allen Re-signs
• Miami Heat will play the Boston Celtics to open the NBA season